Hindu-Muslim teen couple set themselves on fire in Agra

AGRA: In an incident that has shocked investigating officers and residents alike, a young couple, identified as Sonu Mohammad and Sheelam Kumari, studying in class 10 and 9, locked themselves in a room, latched the door from inside and set themselves on fire. Police said their bodies were found locked in a tight embrace on Saturday .They added that the families of the boy and girl may have objected to their relationship.

The incident, which occurred in Nainana Jat in Kotwali sadar area, has sent relatives and neighbours into shock. As the two lovers belonged to different communities, the police, not taking any chances, have rushed a heavy contingent to the area just in case there is a flare-up.

According to neighbours, Sonu and Sheelam studied in the same school and liked each other, but their families did not approve of their "affair". On May 9, Sheelam was married by force to a man from Kuberpur in Etmadpur, AGRA. Saurab, Sheelam's younger brother, said, "On Friday evening, around 7.30pm, didi came from Kuberpur and looked happy . But around 4.30 am, she was found dead along with Sonu in his room."

Ali Muhammad, Sonu's younger brother, said, "Around 4.00 a.m., I saw flames coming out of Sonu's room. I rushed towards the room and saw their charred body lying on the floor. The entire room was on fire. The police came after an hour and broke the wall of the room. Sadar kotwali station officer Dharmendar Chauhan told, "Prima facie, it seems a case of suicide. Families of both the victims have refused to lodge any complaint though we have sent the bodies for post-mortem."